US20100202052A1 - A/c system side view mirror and side glass de-icer - Google Patents
A/c system side view mirror and side glass de-icer Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20100202052A1 US20100202052A1 US12/368,528 US36852809A US2010202052A1 US 20100202052 A1 US20100202052 A1 US 20100202052A1 US 36852809 A US36852809 A US 36852809A US 2010202052 A1 US2010202052 A1 US 2010202052A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- rearview mirror
- mirror
- inner case
- outer case
- air
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R1/00—Optical viewing arrangements; Real-time viewing arrangements for drivers or passengers using optical image capturing systems, e.g. cameras or video systems specially adapted for use in or on vehicles
- B60R1/02—Rear-view mirror arrangements
- B60R1/06—Rear-view mirror arrangements mounted on vehicle exterior
- B60R1/0602—Rear-view mirror arrangements mounted on vehicle exterior comprising means for cleaning or deicing
Definitions
- the present disclosure relates to an air-conditioning system that is capable of de-icing a side view mirror and a side glass.
- Modern vehicles such as automobiles, may utilize resistance type electrical heating devices to warm specific surfaces, such as mirrored surfaces, to prevent such mirrored surfaces from accumulating moisture, such as water droplets, ice, and/or snow.
- One such mirrored surface of a vehicle that may be electrically heated is an exterior side-mounted, rear view mirror.
- a side-mounted, rear view mirror may be used to view an area on either side of a vehicle, from the location of the side mirror toward the rear and side areas of the vehicle. While such resistance-type electrically heated mirrors have been satisfactory for their given purposes, they are not without undesirable limitations.
- One such limitation is the amount of electricity that is consumed by resistance-type electrical heaters that places an electrical burden on an on-board battery and/or an on-board alternator.
- Another limitation is the additional wiring, circuit breakers and associated costs with such necessary components and their installation. What is needed then is a device that does not suffer from the above limitations.
- a heating system for a vehicle may employ a vehicle rearview mirror outer case that defines a cavity within which a mirror resides.
- a vehicle rearview mirror inner case may define a cavity and the rearview mirror inner case may reside within the rearview mirror outer case.
- a mirror surface or mirror structure, such as glass or plastic, may reside against the rearview mirror inner case to enclose the inner case, with the exception of air inlet and outlet tubes.
- a rearview mirror inlet tube may pass through the outer case and the inner case and permit air to enter the rearview mirror inner case.
- a rearview mirror outlet tube may pass through the outer case and the inner case and permits air to exit the rearview mirror inner case.
- the heating system may further employ an HVAC unit, which may attach to the rearview mirror inlet tube, to blow air into the rearview mirror outer case or inner case.
- An electric motor within the rearview mirror outer case may be employed to move the mirror surface to different positions for viewing by a passenger or vehicle operator.
- a partition in the cavity of the rearview mirror inner case to route the forced air along a rear surface of the mirrored portion. The partition lies longitudinally between the rearview mirror inlet tube and the rearview mirror outlet tube, so as not to cross the paths of either of the tubes, in a projected longitudinal state, as depicted in the cross-section of FIGS. 4A and 4B .
- a membrane may be located between the mirror surface and the rearview mirror outer case.
- a vehicle door may define an air distributor and a vehicle door window such that the air distributor distributes air across an interior surface of the door window.
- the rearview mirror outlet tube passes into or feeds air into the air distributor.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle depicting a general location of an HVAC module and a driver's side, rear view mirror;
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a driver side door and a driver side, rear view mirror
- FIG. 3 is a general top, internal view of a driver side, rear view mirror according to an embodiment of the present teachings
- FIG. 4A is a top, cross-sectional view of a passenger side, rear view mirror according to an embodiment of the present teachings
- FIG. 4B is a top, cross-sectional view of a passenger side, rear view mirror according to an embodiment of the present teachings
- FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a passenger side, rear view mirror according to an embodiment of the present teachings.
- FIG. 6 is a perspective exterior view of a passenger side, rear view mirror.
- a vehicle 10 depicts a heating, ventilation and air conditioning unit 12 (“HVAC unit”) located behind an interior dash, next to a firewall of the vehicle 10 .
- HVAC unit 12 may contain various electric motors coupled to internal doors to facilitate the direction of air forced through the HVAC unit 12 by a blower en route to specific locations within the interior cabin 14 of the vehicle 10 .
- doors within the HVAC unit 12 may be adjusted to direct warmed, cooled, or air of a specific moisture and/or temperature through a front windshield opening 16 and onto the interior surface of the front windshield 18 or the doors may be adjusted to direct the same conditions of air from a foot vent 20 and onto the feet and lower extremities of a passenger. Similarly, such air may be directed through a face vent 22 and onto the faces, upper extremities and torso portions of passengers.
- HVAC controls 24 may be used to control the temperature, humidity, speed and direction of the air blown from vents or openings 16 , 20 , 22 .
- a driver side, rear view mirror 26 may be attached to the driver side door 28 , such as to a door window frame 30 or more specifically, relative to level ground, a slanted portion 32 of the door window frame 30 and a horizontal or level portion 34 of the door 28 .
- the driver side, rear view mirror 26 may be attached with a variety of structures, such as with nuts and bolts or with some sort of biasing or spring clips to snap the mirror 26 securely into position.
- the mirror 26 may have an outer casing 36 , and a mirror structure or mirror surface 38 that is movable by an electric motor 40 .
- An air gap 42 or space 42 may exist between the casing 36 and the mirror structure 38 .
- a flexible membrane 44 may exist to permit the mirror to move within the casing 36 yet maintain an airtight separation between the gap 42 or space 42 and the outside air 46 or environment 46 .
- a passenger side, rear view mirror 50 may be attached to the passenger side door 53 , such as to a door window frame 30 or more specifically, relative to level ground, a slanted portion 32 of the door window frame 30 and a horizontal or level portion 34 of the door 53 .
- the passenger side, rear view mirror 50 may be attached with a variety of structures, such as nuts and bolts, welding, or using some sort of biasing clips to snap the mirror 26 securely into position.
- the mirror 50 may have an outer casing 36 , and a reflective or mirror structure 38 with a depth that is movable by an electric motor 40 .
- An air gap 42 or space 42 may exist between the casing 36 and the mirror surface 38 .
- a flexible membrane 44 may exist to permit the mirror to move within the casing 36 yet maintain an air tight separation between the gap 42 or space 42 and the outside air 46 or environment 46 .
- the HVAC unit 12 may provide forced air 60 to an air inlet tube 62 so that air may pass into a cavity 76 or space 76 behind the mirror surface 38 .
- the forced air 60 entering the cavity 76 , the air is free to mix with air that is in the space 76 , and then exit from the cavity 76 through an air outlet tube 64 .
- the air 60 may then be blown against an interior surface 74 of the passenger window 70 ( FIG. 6 ).
- FIG. 4B another embodiment will be described.
- the embodiment depicted in FIG. 4B is functionally the same as that depicted in FIG. 4A , with the exception of the partition 78 that divides the cavity 76 of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 4A .
- the partition 78 is a structure or division that results in a front cavity 82 and a rear cavity 84 .
- forced air 60 from the HVAC unit 12 may enter the front cavity 82 through the mirror inlet tube 62 and flow across the rear surface 86 of the glass or plastic structure that has a mirrored surface 38 .
- the air 60 Upon the forced air 60 passing across and contacting the mirrored surface 38 , the air 60 moves around the partition end 88 to a second side of the partition 78 . As depicted in FIG. 4B , the forced air 60 then again travels the length of the partition 78 and into the mirror outlet tube 64 . Upon the forced air exiting the mirror outlet tube 64 , the air 60 may enter into a chamber or air distributor 71 next to the passenger side window 70 with the air 60 then being sprayed or distributed across the interior surface 74 of the passenger side window 70 to defog and heat the glass. The air 60 may heat both the interior and exterior of the glass.
- FIG. 5 depicts a passenger side, rear view mirror 50 that is in fluid communication with the HVAC unit 12 of the vehicle 10 . More specifically, the passenger side, rear view mirror 50 may be attached to the exterior of a passenger side door 53 . Additionally, the mirror 50 may employ a case 52 or casing to protect or shield a mirror surface 38 of a mirror from exterior elements. As depicted in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 5 , the mirror may be divided into two general interior chambers separated by an interior partition 54 . More specifically, the case 52 may be divided into a lower or bottom chamber 56 and an upper or top chamber 58 .
- the chambers 56 , 58 contained by the partition 54 , contain airflow 60 that passes through the passenger side, rear view mirror 50 .
- air 60 in the HVAC unit 12 may be directed to one or both of the side rear view mirrors 26 , 50 .
- the air 60 from the HVAC unit 12 passes to a mirror air inlet tube 62 , which may pass through the vehicle door 53 and into a bottom or lower chamber 56 of the mirror casing 52 .
- the air exits the mirror inlet tube 62 and enters the bottom chamber 56 passing between the casing 52 and the partition 54 .
- the air 60 may pass across an entire lower or bottom side interior surface of the mirror 52 before reaching the end 66 of the mirror 52 .
- the end of the mirror 52 is that portion of the mirror farthest from the vehicle 10 .
- the air 60 flows around the partition 54 and into a top or upper chamber 58 of the mirror 52 .
- the air 60 passes into a mirror outlet tube 64 .
- the air 60 then passes into an air distributor 71 beside the side window 70 .
- the air distributor 71 may have an outlet 72 on an interior of the vehicle beside the interior surface 74 of the side window 70 to permit the air 60 to exit the outlet 72 and pass over the interior surface 74 of the side window 70 , as depicted in FIG. 6 , to heat and defog the interior and exterior window surfaces.
- the teachings may also disclose a heating system for a vehicle 10 that employs a vehicle rearview mirror outer case that defines a cavity within which a mirror resides.
- a vehicle rearview mirror inner case 37 may define a cavity 76 and the rearview mirror inner case 37 may reside within the rearview mirror outer case 36 .
- a mirror surface 38 or mirror portion, such as glass or plastic, may reside against the rearview mirror inner case 37 .
- a rearview mirror inlet tube 62 may pass through the outer case 36 and the inner case 37 and permit air to enter the rearview mirror inner case 37 .
- a rearview mirror outlet tube that passes through the outer case 36 and the inner case 37 and permits air to exit the rearview mirror inner case 37 .
- the heating system may further employ an HVAC unit 12 , to which the rearview mirror inlet tube 62 may be attached, to blow air 60 into the rearview mirror outer case 36 or inner case 37 .
- An electric motor 40 within the rearview mirror outer case 36 may be employed to move the mirror surface 38 to different positions for viewing by a passenger or vehicle operator.
- the partition 78 lies longitudinally between the rearview mirror inlet tube 62 and the rearview mirror outlet tube 64 , so as not to cross the paths of either of the tubes 62 , 64 in a projected longitudinal state, as depicted in the cross-section of FIGS. 4A and 4B .
- a membrane 44 may be located between the mirror surface 38 and the rearview mirror outer case 36 .
- a vehicle door 53 may define an air distributor 71 and a vehicle door window 70 such that the air distributor 71 distributes air across an interior surface 74 of the door window 70 .
- the rearview mirror outlet tube 64 passes into or feeds air into the air distributor 71 .
- a heating system for a vehicle may employ a vehicle rearview mirror outer case 52 defining a cavity within which a mirror 38 resides.
- a vehicle rearview mirror inner case such as the inner case 37 depicted in FIG. 4A , may define a cavity or hollow portion or volume for airflow.
- the rearview mirror inner case 37 may partially or completely reside within the rearview mirror outer case 52 .
- a mirror surface 38 may reside against the rearview mirror inner case 37 .
- a rearview mirror inlet tube 62 that passes through the outer case 52 and the inner case 37 and permits air to enter the rearview mirror inner case 37 .
- a rearview mirror outlet tube 64 passes through the outer case 52 and the inner case 37 and permits air to exit the rearview mirror inner case 37 .
- a vehicle door window 70 and a vehicle door 53 define an air distributor 71 to distribute air from the rearview mirror outlet tube 64 across an interior surface 74 of the door window 70 .
- the heating system may further employ an HVAC unit 12 , to which the rearview mirror inlet tube 62 is attached, to blow air into the rearview mirror outer case 52 .
- the system may also employ a window frame 30 and a vehicle door body 53 such that the air distributor 71 is located between the window frame 30 , or slanted portion 32 of the frame 30 , and the vehicle door body 53 .
- An electric motor 40 may lie within the rearview mirror outer case 52 to move the mirror surface 38 to different positions.
- a partition 54 in the cavity of the rearview mirror inner case 37 to route the forced air along a bottom surface of the outer case 52 and a bottom half of the mirror surface 38 and then along a top surface of the outer case 52 and a top half of the mirror, wherein the partition 54 lies longitudinally between the rearview mirror inlet tube 62 and the rearview mirror outlet tube 64 .
- a membrane 44 may be located between the mirror surface 38 , or end or edge of the mirror, and the rearview mirror outer case 52 to prevent debris from entering the mirror outer case 52 .
- a heating system for a vehicle 10 may employ a vehicle rearview mirror outer case 52 defining a cavity within which a mirror 38 resides.
- a vehicle rearview mirror inner case 37 may also define a cavity, such as a hollow portion to permit air to flow in and out of the cavity.
- the rearview mirror inner case 37 may partially or completely reside within the rearview mirror outer case 52 .
- a mirror surface 38 may reside against the rearview mirror inner case 37 (see FIGS. 3 , 4 A and 4 B for an example).
- a rearview mirror inlet tube 62 may pass through the outer case 52 and the inner case 37 and permit warmed air to enter the rearview mirror inner case 37 . The warmed air may be warm enough to prevent or expel moisture from the mirror surface 38 .
- a rearview mirror outlet tube 64 may pass through the outer case 52 and the inner case 37 and permit air to exit the rearview mirror inner case 37 .
- An interior surface 74 of a vehicle door window 70 may receive warmed blown air from an outlet 72 of an air distributor 71 located adjacent to the vehicle door window 70 .
- the air distributor 71 may be located between the window frame 30 , or a slanted portion 32 of material that forms part of the window frame 30 and connects to or contacts the door body 53 , and the vehicle door body 53 .
- an HVAC unit 12 may be attached to the rearview mirror inlet tube 62 to blow air into the rearview mirror outer case 52 .
- a partition 78 , 54 in the cavity of the rearview mirror inner case 37 may route forced air 60 from the inlet tube 62 along a surface, including a rear surface 86 ( FIG. 4B ) of the mirror 38 such that the partition 78 lies longitudinally between the rearview mirror inlet tube 62 and the rearview mirror outlet tube 64 .
- the teachings provide a method to heat the driver side rear view mirror and the passenger side rear view mirror to prevent frost, ice and any accumulation of moisture from the viewable surface of the mirror.
- the forced air 60 circulates from the HVAC unit 12 to the mirrors and then is blown on the interior surface of the side window glass to prevent fogging and moisture from building upon the interior surface of the window glass.
- electrical heaters which consume electrical energy, may be eliminated from the vehicle.
- one source of heat that being the HVAC unit 12 , may be used to heat the side mirrors and the front side window surface.
- the heat output of the HVAD unit 12 may be adjusted to account for the amount of frost or condensation buildup on the mirror surfaces 38 , the inside window surfaces 74 , and the outside window surfaces.
- the HVAC unit 12 may also be adjusted with the controls 24 to account for the temperature outside of the vehicle 10 . Still yet, another advantage is that heated air directed through the mirror inlet tubes is recaptured and used on the interior window surface and may then be used to heat the interior cabin or circulated back into the HVAC unit 12 if the HVAC unit is equipped with a recirculation function.
- the recirculation feature of HVAC units 12 is known in the art.
Abstract
Description
- The present disclosure relates to an air-conditioning system that is capable of de-icing a side view mirror and a side glass.
- This section provides background information, which is not necessarily prior art, that is related to the present disclosure. Modern vehicles, such as automobiles, may utilize resistance type electrical heating devices to warm specific surfaces, such as mirrored surfaces, to prevent such mirrored surfaces from accumulating moisture, such as water droplets, ice, and/or snow. One such mirrored surface of a vehicle that may be electrically heated is an exterior side-mounted, rear view mirror. A side-mounted, rear view mirror may be used to view an area on either side of a vehicle, from the location of the side mirror toward the rear and side areas of the vehicle. While such resistance-type electrically heated mirrors have been satisfactory for their given purposes, they are not without undesirable limitations. One such limitation is the amount of electricity that is consumed by resistance-type electrical heaters that places an electrical burden on an on-board battery and/or an on-board alternator. Another limitation is the additional wiring, circuit breakers and associated costs with such necessary components and their installation. What is needed then is a device that does not suffer from the above limitations.
- This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features. A heating system for a vehicle may employ a vehicle rearview mirror outer case that defines a cavity within which a mirror resides. A vehicle rearview mirror inner case may define a cavity and the rearview mirror inner case may reside within the rearview mirror outer case. A mirror surface or mirror structure, such as glass or plastic, may reside against the rearview mirror inner case to enclose the inner case, with the exception of air inlet and outlet tubes. A rearview mirror inlet tube may pass through the outer case and the inner case and permit air to enter the rearview mirror inner case. A rearview mirror outlet tube may pass through the outer case and the inner case and permits air to exit the rearview mirror inner case.
- The heating system may further employ an HVAC unit, which may attach to the rearview mirror inlet tube, to blow air into the rearview mirror outer case or inner case. An electric motor within the rearview mirror outer case may be employed to move the mirror surface to different positions for viewing by a passenger or vehicle operator. A partition in the cavity of the rearview mirror inner case to route the forced air along a rear surface of the mirrored portion. The partition lies longitudinally between the rearview mirror inlet tube and the rearview mirror outlet tube, so as not to cross the paths of either of the tubes, in a projected longitudinal state, as depicted in the cross-section of
FIGS. 4A and 4B . - A membrane may be located between the mirror surface and the rearview mirror outer case. A vehicle door may define an air distributor and a vehicle door window such that the air distributor distributes air across an interior surface of the door window. The rearview mirror outlet tube passes into or feeds air into the air distributor.
- Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
- The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle depicting a general location of an HVAC module and a driver's side, rear view mirror; -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a driver side door and a driver side, rear view mirror; -
FIG. 3 is a general top, internal view of a driver side, rear view mirror according to an embodiment of the present teachings; -
FIG. 4A is a top, cross-sectional view of a passenger side, rear view mirror according to an embodiment of the present teachings; -
FIG. 4B is a top, cross-sectional view of a passenger side, rear view mirror according to an embodiment of the present teachings; -
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a passenger side, rear view mirror according to an embodiment of the present teachings; and -
FIG. 6 is a perspective exterior view of a passenger side, rear view mirror. - Corresponding reference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.
- The teachings of the present disclosure, described herein using
FIGS. 1-6 for illustrative purposes, reflect embodiments but not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Turning first toFIG. 1 , a vehicle 10 depicts a heating, ventilation and air conditioning unit 12 (“HVAC unit”) located behind an interior dash, next to a firewall of the vehicle 10. TheHVAC unit 12, as is known in the art, may contain various electric motors coupled to internal doors to facilitate the direction of air forced through theHVAC unit 12 by a blower en route to specific locations within the interior cabin 14 of the vehicle 10. More specifically, doors within theHVAC unit 12 may be adjusted to direct warmed, cooled, or air of a specific moisture and/or temperature through a front windshield opening 16 and onto the interior surface of thefront windshield 18 or the doors may be adjusted to direct the same conditions of air from afoot vent 20 and onto the feet and lower extremities of a passenger. Similarly, such air may be directed through aface vent 22 and onto the faces, upper extremities and torso portions of passengers.HVAC controls 24 may be used to control the temperature, humidity, speed and direction of the air blown from vents oropenings - Turning now to
FIGS. 2 and 3 , general details of the present disclosure will be presented. A driver side,rear view mirror 26 may be attached to thedriver side door 28, such as to adoor window frame 30 or more specifically, relative to level ground, aslanted portion 32 of thedoor window frame 30 and a horizontal orlevel portion 34 of thedoor 28. The driver side,rear view mirror 26 may be attached with a variety of structures, such as with nuts and bolts or with some sort of biasing or spring clips to snap themirror 26 securely into position. Themirror 26 may have anouter casing 36, and a mirror structure ormirror surface 38 that is movable by anelectric motor 40. Anair gap 42 orspace 42 may exist between thecasing 36 and themirror structure 38. Between themirror structure 38 and each side of thecase 36, aflexible membrane 44 may exist to permit the mirror to move within thecasing 36 yet maintain an airtight separation between thegap 42 orspace 42 and theoutside air 46 orenvironment 46. - Turning now to
FIG. 4A andFIG. 6 , another embodiment of the current disclosure will be described. A passenger side,rear view mirror 50 may be attached to thepassenger side door 53, such as to adoor window frame 30 or more specifically, relative to level ground, aslanted portion 32 of thedoor window frame 30 and a horizontal orlevel portion 34 of thedoor 53. The passenger side,rear view mirror 50 may be attached with a variety of structures, such as nuts and bolts, welding, or using some sort of biasing clips to snap themirror 26 securely into position. Themirror 50 may have anouter casing 36, and a reflective ormirror structure 38 with a depth that is movable by anelectric motor 40. Anair gap 42 orspace 42 may exist between thecasing 36 and themirror surface 38. Between themirror surface 38 and each side of thecase 36, aflexible membrane 44 may exist to permit the mirror to move within thecasing 36 yet maintain an air tight separation between thegap 42 orspace 42 and theoutside air 46 orenvironment 46. - Continuing with reference to
FIG. 4A , theHVAC unit 12 may provide forcedair 60 to anair inlet tube 62 so that air may pass into acavity 76 orspace 76 behind themirror surface 38. Upon the forcedair 60 entering thecavity 76, the air is free to mix with air that is in thespace 76, and then exit from thecavity 76 through anair outlet tube 64. Upon exiting theair outlet tube 64, theair 60 may then be blown against aninterior surface 74 of the passenger window 70 (FIG. 6 ). - Turning now to
FIG. 4B , another embodiment will be described. The embodiment depicted inFIG. 4B is functionally the same as that depicted inFIG. 4A , with the exception of thepartition 78 that divides thecavity 76 of the embodiment depicted inFIG. 4A . RegardingFIG. 4B , thepartition 78 is a structure or division that results in afront cavity 82 and arear cavity 84. As depicted, forcedair 60 from theHVAC unit 12 may enter thefront cavity 82 through themirror inlet tube 62 and flow across therear surface 86 of the glass or plastic structure that has a mirroredsurface 38. Upon the forcedair 60 passing across and contacting the mirroredsurface 38, theair 60 moves around thepartition end 88 to a second side of thepartition 78. As depicted inFIG. 4B , the forcedair 60 then again travels the length of thepartition 78 and into themirror outlet tube 64. Upon the forced air exiting themirror outlet tube 64, theair 60 may enter into a chamber orair distributor 71 next to thepassenger side window 70 with theair 60 then being sprayed or distributed across theinterior surface 74 of thepassenger side window 70 to defog and heat the glass. Theair 60 may heat both the interior and exterior of the glass. - Turning now to
FIGS. 5 and 6 , further details of the present disclosure will be explained using a passenger side mirror.FIG. 5 depicts a passenger side,rear view mirror 50 that is in fluid communication with theHVAC unit 12 of the vehicle 10. More specifically, the passenger side,rear view mirror 50 may be attached to the exterior of apassenger side door 53. Additionally, themirror 50 may employ acase 52 or casing to protect or shield amirror surface 38 of a mirror from exterior elements. As depicted in the cross-sectional view ofFIG. 5 , the mirror may be divided into two general interior chambers separated by aninterior partition 54. More specifically, thecase 52 may be divided into a lower orbottom chamber 56 and an upper ortop chamber 58. Thechambers partition 54, containairflow 60 that passes through the passenger side,rear view mirror 50. In operation,air 60 in theHVAC unit 12 may be directed to one or both of the side rear view mirrors 26, 50. Using the passenger side,rear view mirror 50 as an example, theair 60 from theHVAC unit 12 passes to a mirrorair inlet tube 62, which may pass through thevehicle door 53 and into a bottom orlower chamber 56 of themirror casing 52. The air exits themirror inlet tube 62 and enters thebottom chamber 56 passing between thecasing 52 and thepartition 54. Theair 60, being forced by a blower in theHVAC unit 12, may pass across an entire lower or bottom side interior surface of themirror 52 before reaching theend 66 of themirror 52. The end of themirror 52 is that portion of the mirror farthest from the vehicle 10. At the end of themirror 52, theair 60 flows around thepartition 54 and into a top orupper chamber 58 of themirror 52. After flowing across or through theupper chamber 58, theair 60 passes into amirror outlet tube 64. Theair 60 then passes into anair distributor 71 beside theside window 70. Theair distributor 71 may have anoutlet 72 on an interior of the vehicle beside theinterior surface 74 of theside window 70 to permit theair 60 to exit theoutlet 72 and pass over theinterior surface 74 of theside window 70, as depicted inFIG. 6 , to heat and defog the interior and exterior window surfaces. - The teachings may also disclose a heating system for a vehicle 10 that employs a vehicle rearview mirror outer case that defines a cavity within which a mirror resides. A vehicle rearview mirror
inner case 37 may define acavity 76 and the rearview mirrorinner case 37 may reside within the rearview mirrorouter case 36. Amirror surface 38 or mirror portion, such as glass or plastic, may reside against the rearview mirrorinner case 37. A rearviewmirror inlet tube 62 may pass through theouter case 36 and theinner case 37 and permit air to enter the rearview mirrorinner case 37. A rearview mirror outlet tube that passes through theouter case 36 and theinner case 37 and permits air to exit the rearview mirrorinner case 37. The heating system may further employ anHVAC unit 12, to which the rearviewmirror inlet tube 62 may be attached, to blowair 60 into the rearview mirrorouter case 36 orinner case 37. Anelectric motor 40 within the rearview mirrorouter case 36 may be employed to move themirror surface 38 to different positions for viewing by a passenger or vehicle operator. Apartition 78 in the cavity of the rearview mirrorinner case 37 to route the forcedair 60 along a rear surface of the mirrored portion. Thepartition 78 lies longitudinally between the rearviewmirror inlet tube 62 and the rearviewmirror outlet tube 64, so as not to cross the paths of either of thetubes FIGS. 4A and 4B . - A
membrane 44 may be located between themirror surface 38 and the rearview mirrorouter case 36. Avehicle door 53 may define anair distributor 71 and avehicle door window 70 such that theair distributor 71 distributes air across aninterior surface 74 of thedoor window 70. The rearviewmirror outlet tube 64 passes into or feeds air into theair distributor 71. - With reference primarily to
FIG. 5 , a heating system for a vehicle may employ a vehicle rearview mirrorouter case 52 defining a cavity within which amirror 38 resides. A vehicle rearview mirror inner case, such as theinner case 37 depicted inFIG. 4A , may define a cavity or hollow portion or volume for airflow. The rearview mirrorinner case 37 may partially or completely reside within the rearview mirrorouter case 52. Amirror surface 38 may reside against the rearview mirrorinner case 37. A rearviewmirror inlet tube 62 that passes through theouter case 52 and theinner case 37 and permits air to enter the rearview mirrorinner case 37. A rearviewmirror outlet tube 64 passes through theouter case 52 and theinner case 37 and permits air to exit the rearview mirrorinner case 37. Avehicle door window 70 and avehicle door 53 define anair distributor 71 to distribute air from the rearviewmirror outlet tube 64 across aninterior surface 74 of thedoor window 70. The heating system may further employ anHVAC unit 12, to which the rearviewmirror inlet tube 62 is attached, to blow air into the rearview mirrorouter case 52. The system may also employ awindow frame 30 and avehicle door body 53 such that theair distributor 71 is located between thewindow frame 30, or slantedportion 32 of theframe 30, and thevehicle door body 53. Anelectric motor 40 may lie within the rearview mirrorouter case 52 to move themirror surface 38 to different positions. - With continued reference primarily to
FIG. 5 , apartition 54 in the cavity of the rearview mirrorinner case 37 to route the forced air along a bottom surface of theouter case 52 and a bottom half of themirror surface 38 and then along a top surface of theouter case 52 and a top half of the mirror, wherein thepartition 54 lies longitudinally between the rearviewmirror inlet tube 62 and the rearviewmirror outlet tube 64. Amembrane 44 may be located between themirror surface 38, or end or edge of the mirror, and the rearview mirrorouter case 52 to prevent debris from entering the mirrorouter case 52. - In yet another presentation of the present disclosure, a heating system for a vehicle 10 may employ a vehicle rearview mirror
outer case 52 defining a cavity within which amirror 38 resides. A vehicle rearview mirrorinner case 37 may also define a cavity, such as a hollow portion to permit air to flow in and out of the cavity. The rearview mirrorinner case 37 may partially or completely reside within the rearview mirrorouter case 52. Amirror surface 38 may reside against the rearview mirror inner case 37 (seeFIGS. 3 , 4A and 4B for an example). A rearviewmirror inlet tube 62 may pass through theouter case 52 and theinner case 37 and permit warmed air to enter the rearview mirrorinner case 37. The warmed air may be warm enough to prevent or expel moisture from themirror surface 38. A rearviewmirror outlet tube 64 may pass through theouter case 52 and theinner case 37 and permit air to exit the rearview mirrorinner case 37. Aninterior surface 74 of avehicle door window 70 may receive warmed blown air from anoutlet 72 of anair distributor 71 located adjacent to thevehicle door window 70. Theair distributor 71 may be located between thewindow frame 30, or a slantedportion 32 of material that forms part of thewindow frame 30 and connects to or contacts thedoor body 53, and thevehicle door body 53. - Continuing with reference to
FIGS. 1 and 5 , anHVAC unit 12 may be attached to the rearviewmirror inlet tube 62 to blow air into the rearview mirrorouter case 52. Apartition inner case 37 may route forcedair 60 from theinlet tube 62 along a surface, including a rear surface 86 (FIG. 4B ) of themirror 38 such that thepartition 78 lies longitudinally between the rearviewmirror inlet tube 62 and the rearviewmirror outlet tube 64. - The embodiments and teachings presented above have been discussed with reference to either a driver side rear view mirror and associated window or a passenger side rear view mirror and associated window. The teachings are applicable to both a driver side rear view mirror and a passenger side rear view mirror, and the associated windows of each.
- There are multiple advantages in using the structure of the present disclosure. The teachings provide a method to heat the driver side rear view mirror and the passenger side rear view mirror to prevent frost, ice and any accumulation of moisture from the viewable surface of the mirror. The forced
air 60 circulates from theHVAC unit 12 to the mirrors and then is blown on the interior surface of the side window glass to prevent fogging and moisture from building upon the interior surface of the window glass. Another advantage is that electrical heaters, which consume electrical energy, may be eliminated from the vehicle. Still yet, one source of heat, that being theHVAC unit 12, may be used to heat the side mirrors and the front side window surface. The heat output of theHVAD unit 12 may be adjusted to account for the amount of frost or condensation buildup on the mirror surfaces 38, the inside window surfaces 74, and the outside window surfaces. TheHVAC unit 12 may also be adjusted with thecontrols 24 to account for the temperature outside of the vehicle 10. Still yet, another advantage is that heated air directed through the mirror inlet tubes is recaptured and used on the interior window surface and may then be used to heat the interior cabin or circulated back into theHVAC unit 12 if the HVAC unit is equipped with a recirculation function. The recirculation feature ofHVAC units 12 is known in the art. - When an element or layer is referred to as being “on”, “engaged to”, “connected to” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to”, “directly connected to” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
- The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the invention, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention.
Claims (18)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/368,528 US7798658B2 (en) | 2009-02-10 | 2009-02-10 | A/C system side view mirror and side glass DE-ICER |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/368,528 US7798658B2 (en) | 2009-02-10 | 2009-02-10 | A/C system side view mirror and side glass DE-ICER |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20100202052A1 true US20100202052A1 (en) | 2010-08-12 |
US7798658B2 US7798658B2 (en) | 2010-09-21 |
Family
ID=42540216
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/368,528 Active US7798658B2 (en) | 2009-02-10 | 2009-02-10 | A/C system side view mirror and side glass DE-ICER |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US7798658B2 (en) |
Cited By (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP2692586A1 (en) * | 2012-08-03 | 2014-02-05 | MEKRA Lang GmbH & Co. KG | External camera device for vehicles, as well as a vehicle having such an external camera device for recording at least one legally required field of view |
GB2522282A (en) * | 2014-01-16 | 2015-07-22 | Roddy Laretive | Weather defender |
CN108001352A (en) * | 2017-11-17 | 2018-05-08 | 宝沃汽车(中国)有限公司 | Rearview mirror assembly, mirror heater system and vehicle |
CN109131095A (en) * | 2018-08-30 | 2019-01-04 | 杭州锦上行镜业有限公司 | A kind of assembly apparatus of automobile rearview mirror |
US10363793B2 (en) | 2012-03-27 | 2019-07-30 | Mekra Lang Gmbh & Co. Kg | Housing for accommodation and temperature regulation of an electronic device and vehicle provided with such housing |
DE102018221277A1 (en) * | 2018-12-10 | 2020-06-10 | Ibeo Automotive Systems GmbH | Deicing system for one sensor |
CN112172677A (en) * | 2020-10-21 | 2021-01-05 | 德清县丰润电光源有限公司 | Rain-proof auxiliary structure of new energy automobile rearview mirror |
CN112193165A (en) * | 2020-11-11 | 2021-01-08 | 孟祥权 | Self-cleaning automobile reflector |
DE102022121747A1 (en) | 2022-08-29 | 2024-02-29 | Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft | Protective device for an environmental sensor of a vehicle for temperature control of a sensor cover with a heating device in the manner of a steam chamber, sensor arrangement and vehicle |
Families Citing this family (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US8591299B2 (en) * | 2010-03-31 | 2013-11-26 | Denso International America, Inc. | Windshield de-icing duct system |
US20210394717A1 (en) * | 2020-06-23 | 2021-12-23 | Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc | Vehicle defogging systems |
Citations (18)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3522584A (en) * | 1966-03-18 | 1970-08-04 | Yorck Joachim Talbot | Rearview mirror assembly for motor vehicles |
US3596710A (en) * | 1969-12-16 | 1971-08-03 | John P Tarlano | Self-defrosting exterior-type vehicle mirror assembly |
US3612647A (en) * | 1970-05-11 | 1971-10-12 | Ernest J Laprairie | Rear view mirror in rotatably wiped enclosure |
US3859899A (en) * | 1974-02-14 | 1975-01-14 | John Edward Mills | Interior ventilation system with side view mirror de-icing |
US3877780A (en) * | 1973-09-24 | 1975-04-15 | Gen Motors Corp | Heated remotely controlled outside rearview mirror |
US4283117A (en) * | 1979-12-10 | 1981-08-11 | Ellis Harold G | Side view mirror apparatus for vehicles |
US4350084A (en) * | 1980-01-21 | 1982-09-21 | Saiag S.P.A. Industria Articoli Gomma | External rear-view mirror for motor vehicles combined with an air inlet opening to the passenger compartment |
US4439013A (en) * | 1979-10-31 | 1984-03-27 | Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft | Motor vehicle provided with an additional mirror embracing the dead angle |
US4462303A (en) * | 1982-06-01 | 1984-07-31 | Ford Motor Company | Multifunction sail mirror |
US4697065A (en) * | 1985-03-20 | 1987-09-29 | Nissan Motor Company, Limited | Vehicle mirror arrangement |
US4903581A (en) * | 1986-10-01 | 1990-02-27 | Saab-Scania Aktiebolag | Arrangement for preventing mist and ice formation on the side window of a motor vehicle |
US4981072A (en) * | 1990-03-16 | 1991-01-01 | Sheller-Globe Corporation | Exterior rear view mirror assembly with ventilator for exterior side window |
US5140719A (en) * | 1992-01-08 | 1992-08-25 | Errol Cowan | Vehicle window cleaning device |
US5903389A (en) * | 1996-08-13 | 1999-05-11 | Daimler-Benz Ag | Outside rear view mirror for a motor vehicle |
US6100500A (en) * | 1998-05-19 | 2000-08-08 | Jefferson, Jr.; Bobby J. | Vehicle glass clearing system |
US6267664B1 (en) * | 2000-09-01 | 2001-07-31 | Alphonse J. Vandale | Exterior side view mirror and side window defogger system |
US6290361B1 (en) * | 2000-11-01 | 2001-09-18 | Leonid Berzin | Universal clearing air system for windows and external mirrors of a vehicle |
US20040142232A1 (en) * | 2000-11-30 | 2004-07-22 | Alex Risca | Space utilization/component integration using blow molding technology |
Family Cites Families (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE3002134A1 (en) * | 1980-01-22 | 1981-07-23 | Daimler-Benz Ag, 7000 Stuttgart | HEATING AND VENTILATION DEVICE FOR A VEHICLE |
-
2009
- 2009-02-10 US US12/368,528 patent/US7798658B2/en active Active
Patent Citations (18)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3522584A (en) * | 1966-03-18 | 1970-08-04 | Yorck Joachim Talbot | Rearview mirror assembly for motor vehicles |
US3596710A (en) * | 1969-12-16 | 1971-08-03 | John P Tarlano | Self-defrosting exterior-type vehicle mirror assembly |
US3612647A (en) * | 1970-05-11 | 1971-10-12 | Ernest J Laprairie | Rear view mirror in rotatably wiped enclosure |
US3877780A (en) * | 1973-09-24 | 1975-04-15 | Gen Motors Corp | Heated remotely controlled outside rearview mirror |
US3859899A (en) * | 1974-02-14 | 1975-01-14 | John Edward Mills | Interior ventilation system with side view mirror de-icing |
US4439013A (en) * | 1979-10-31 | 1984-03-27 | Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft | Motor vehicle provided with an additional mirror embracing the dead angle |
US4283117A (en) * | 1979-12-10 | 1981-08-11 | Ellis Harold G | Side view mirror apparatus for vehicles |
US4350084A (en) * | 1980-01-21 | 1982-09-21 | Saiag S.P.A. Industria Articoli Gomma | External rear-view mirror for motor vehicles combined with an air inlet opening to the passenger compartment |
US4462303A (en) * | 1982-06-01 | 1984-07-31 | Ford Motor Company | Multifunction sail mirror |
US4697065A (en) * | 1985-03-20 | 1987-09-29 | Nissan Motor Company, Limited | Vehicle mirror arrangement |
US4903581A (en) * | 1986-10-01 | 1990-02-27 | Saab-Scania Aktiebolag | Arrangement for preventing mist and ice formation on the side window of a motor vehicle |
US4981072A (en) * | 1990-03-16 | 1991-01-01 | Sheller-Globe Corporation | Exterior rear view mirror assembly with ventilator for exterior side window |
US5140719A (en) * | 1992-01-08 | 1992-08-25 | Errol Cowan | Vehicle window cleaning device |
US5903389A (en) * | 1996-08-13 | 1999-05-11 | Daimler-Benz Ag | Outside rear view mirror for a motor vehicle |
US6100500A (en) * | 1998-05-19 | 2000-08-08 | Jefferson, Jr.; Bobby J. | Vehicle glass clearing system |
US6267664B1 (en) * | 2000-09-01 | 2001-07-31 | Alphonse J. Vandale | Exterior side view mirror and side window defogger system |
US6290361B1 (en) * | 2000-11-01 | 2001-09-18 | Leonid Berzin | Universal clearing air system for windows and external mirrors of a vehicle |
US20040142232A1 (en) * | 2000-11-30 | 2004-07-22 | Alex Risca | Space utilization/component integration using blow molding technology |
Cited By (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10363793B2 (en) | 2012-03-27 | 2019-07-30 | Mekra Lang Gmbh & Co. Kg | Housing for accommodation and temperature regulation of an electronic device and vehicle provided with such housing |
EP2692586A1 (en) * | 2012-08-03 | 2014-02-05 | MEKRA Lang GmbH & Co. KG | External camera device for vehicles, as well as a vehicle having such an external camera device for recording at least one legally required field of view |
EP2692586B1 (en) | 2012-08-03 | 2015-09-09 | MEKRA Lang GmbH & Co. KG | External camera device for vehicles, as well as a vehicle having such an external camera device for recording at least one legally required field of view |
US9973664B2 (en) | 2012-08-03 | 2018-05-15 | Mekra Lang Gmbh & Co. Kg | External camera device that thermally couples camera optics to a vehicle's ventilation system |
GB2522282A (en) * | 2014-01-16 | 2015-07-22 | Roddy Laretive | Weather defender |
GB2522282B (en) * | 2014-01-16 | 2017-12-06 | Laretive Roddy | Weather defender |
CN108001352A (en) * | 2017-11-17 | 2018-05-08 | 宝沃汽车(中国)有限公司 | Rearview mirror assembly, mirror heater system and vehicle |
CN109131095A (en) * | 2018-08-30 | 2019-01-04 | 杭州锦上行镜业有限公司 | A kind of assembly apparatus of automobile rearview mirror |
DE102018221277A1 (en) * | 2018-12-10 | 2020-06-10 | Ibeo Automotive Systems GmbH | Deicing system for one sensor |
CN112172677A (en) * | 2020-10-21 | 2021-01-05 | 德清县丰润电光源有限公司 | Rain-proof auxiliary structure of new energy automobile rearview mirror |
CN112193165A (en) * | 2020-11-11 | 2021-01-08 | 孟祥权 | Self-cleaning automobile reflector |
DE102022121747A1 (en) | 2022-08-29 | 2024-02-29 | Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft | Protective device for an environmental sensor of a vehicle for temperature control of a sensor cover with a heating device in the manner of a steam chamber, sensor arrangement and vehicle |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US7798658B2 (en) | 2010-09-21 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US7798658B2 (en) | A/C system side view mirror and side glass DE-ICER | |
JP5735057B2 (en) | External camera device for a vehicle and a vehicle comprising such an external camera device | |
JP3425442B2 (en) | Car dashboard | |
US9301343B2 (en) | Window-glass heating device | |
KR100887047B1 (en) | Glass temperature detecting system, window fog detecting system, air-conditioning system for vehicles, and window fog detecting method | |
US10576935B2 (en) | Automotive headlight defogging/defrosting | |
US20060102335A1 (en) | Vehicular air-conditioning apparatus | |
US5987216A (en) | Defrosting, deicing, and heating device | |
US20140096554A1 (en) | Rotary mode door for constant demist bleed | |
US9855920B2 (en) | Panoramic roof panel thermal management module of panoramic roof panel | |
US10787154B2 (en) | Windshield defroster with secondary ducted outlet | |
KR101946520B1 (en) | Air conditioning system for automotive vehicles | |
US2720149A (en) | Automobile air conditioning duct system | |
US6843424B2 (en) | Motor vehicle with a heating, ventilating and air-conditioning system | |
US11654767B2 (en) | Motor vehicle with cooling air flap device | |
US8591299B2 (en) | Windshield de-icing duct system | |
CN209757055U (en) | Automobile rearview mirror device with function of removing rain, snow and fog frost | |
JP4496680B2 (en) | Air conditioner for vehicles | |
KR101544871B1 (en) | Air conditioner for vehicles | |
JP2000135922A (en) | Air-conditioning unit for vehicle | |
CN208233010U (en) | A kind of automatic heating demisting shield glass | |
KR100222889B1 (en) | Car aircondition system | |
JP6166924B2 (en) | Air conditioner for vehicles | |
CN117261552A (en) | Blowing device and vehicle | |
JP2598089Y2 (en) | Defroster device for vehicles |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: DENSO INTERNATIONAL AMERICA, INC., MICHIGAN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:SHARMA, RAJEEV;REEL/FRAME:022233/0714 Effective date: 20090130 |
|
STCF | Information on status: patent grant |
Free format text: PATENTED CASE |
|
FPAY | Fee payment |
Year of fee payment: 4 |
|
MAFP | Maintenance fee payment |
Free format text: PAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEE, 8TH YEAR, LARGE ENTITY (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: M1552) Year of fee payment: 8 |
|
MAFP | Maintenance fee payment |
Free format text: PAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEE, 12TH YEAR, LARGE ENTITY (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: M1553); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY Year of fee payment: 12 |